Dinner

Caprese Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

ByEthan Lark January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

Introduction

These Caprese chicken sandwiches are a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic Italian salad. Combining juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, they make a perfect quick lunch or light dinner. The basil pesto and balsamic glaze add delightful depth to every bite.

Two sandwiches sit on a wooden board over a white marbled texture. Each sandwich has five layers: the bottom layer is a soft, light golden brown bread roll with a dusting of flour; next is a layer of green arugula leaves peeking out; above that, two bright red thick tomato slices; then tender, pale grilled chicken pieces; on top of the chicken, a thick layer of white mozzarella cheese. Green pesto sauce is spread generously inside the sandwich and drips slightly over the sides, while dark balsamic glaze is drizzled over the cheese and pesto. The top bread roll covers the filling, slightly browned with a light dusting of flour. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ciabatta rolls
1 small garlic clove
1 ½ tbsp basil pesto
2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
10 basil leaves
2 cooked chicken breasts, skin removed, sliced
100g reduced-fat mozzarella, sliced
60g rocket
2 tsp balsamic glaze

Instructions

Step 1: Halve the ciabatta rolls and lightly toast them until golden and crisp.
Step 2: Rub the cut sides of each toasted roll gently with the garlic clove to add a hint of flavor.
Step 3: Spread the basil pesto evenly over the bases of the rolls.
Step 4: Layer the sliced tomatoes, basil leaves, sliced chicken, mozzarella, and rocket onto the pesto-coated bases.
Step 5: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the fillings, then top with the remaining halves of the ciabatta rolls to form sandwiches.
Step 6: Serve immediately for the best fresh flavors and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, warm the sliced chicken in a little olive oil and garlic before assembling the sandwich.
Try swapping rocket for baby spinach or arugula if preferred.
Add a little cracked black pepper or chili flakes for a subtle spice kick.
Use fresh mozzarella if possible for creamier texture and taste.

Storage

These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh but can be wrapped tightly and kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To maintain the bread’s crunch, store the components separately and assemble just before eating. Reheating is not recommended as the fresh ingredients may lose texture.

How to Serve

Two fresh sandwiches sit on a wooden board with a white marbled background. Each sandwich has a crusty light brown bun with a dusting of flour. The bottom layer is green arugula leaves, topped with thick red tomato slices. Above the tomatoes, there is a layer of light tan turkey breast, followed by dollops of bright green pesto sauce. The next layer is white slices of mozzarella cheese, drizzled with dark brown balsamic glaze and topped with fresh green basil leaves. The sandwiches look fresh, colorful, and juicy, with pesto sauce dripping slightly onto the board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this sandwich?

Yes, you can substitute ciabatta with baguette, sourdough, or even focaccia. Just ensure it has a sturdy texture to hold the fillings well.

Is basil pesto necessary, or can it be omitted?

Basil pesto adds a distinctive herbal flavor that complements the other ingredients, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with mayonnaise or a spread of olive oil with herbs.

Caprese Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 78 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Description

These Caprese chicken sandwiches combine the fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella with tender cooked chicken breast and a hint of garlic pesto, served on lightly toasted ciabatta rolls. A perfect quick and healthy lunch option that captures the essence of classic Italian Caprese salad in a convenient sandwich form.

Ingredients

Scale

Sandwich Base

2 ciabatta rolls
1 small garlic clove
1 ½ tbsp basil pesto

Fillings

2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
10 basil leaves
2 cooked chicken breasts, skin removed, sliced
100g reduced-fat mozzarella, sliced
60g rocket (arugula)
2 tsp balsamic glaze

Instructions

Toast the Rolls: Halve the ciabatta rolls and lightly toast them until golden and slightly crisp to build a sturdy base for the sandwich.
Garlic Rub: Rub the cut sides of the toasted rolls with the small garlic clove to infuse a subtle garlic flavor into the bread.
Spread Pesto: Generously spread 1 ½ tablespoons of basil pesto over the bottom halves of the ciabatta rolls to add a rich herbaceous layer.
Layer Ingredients: On top of the pesto, evenly layer the sliced ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, sliced cooked chicken breasts, and reduced-fat mozzarella slices, ensuring even distribution for balanced flavor in every bite.
Add Rocket and Drizzle: Add fresh rocket leaves over the mozzarella for a peppery crunch, then drizzle 2 teaspoons of balsamic glaze over all the ingredients to introduce a sweet tangy contrast.
Assemble Sandwich: Place the top halves of the ciabatta rolls over the fillings, pressing down gently to secure the sandwich.
Serve: Serve the Caprese chicken sandwiches immediately to enjoy the combination of warm toasted bread and fresh, vibrant fillings.

Notes

Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra mozzarella or grilled vegetables.
Lightly toasting the ciabatta helps prevent sogginess from the juicy tomatoes and pesto.
You can substitute balsamic glaze with a reduction of balsamic vinegar if unavailable.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Sandwiches
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Caprese chicken sandwich, Italian sandwich, basil pesto sandwich, mozzarella sandwich, healthy lunch, quick sandwich recipe

Ethan Lark

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